Big Issue film Festival

The Big Issue Film Festival is the only short film festival in London
dedicated to promoting new
filmmakers' talent and helping them reach a wider audience, with one vital
ingredient - entries must be a comment on the society we live in. Social
issues are often neglected by an industry obsessed by glamour and wealth.
Previous entrants to this event (now in its 3rd year) have
focused on subjects such as homelessness, childhood and memories of a
much-missed family member, and have impressed both judges and audiences with
innovative cost-cutting techniques that really do prove the adage, where
there's a will, there's a way.
This year's event will be hosted by The Prince Charles Cinema, Leicester
Square on 22-24th November 2004. This year judges will include Michael
Deeley - Oscar winning producer, Dougray Scott - actor, Jenny Agutter -
actress, Matt Ford - editor of Big Issue, Jane Mote - Controller of
Community Channel, Simon Young - Head of Sales & Acquisitions at Britshorts,
David Peet - Interim Chief Executive of Big Issue Foundation.
The 2003 event was won by Sam Huntley, a completely self-taught filmmaker
from London. His
moving tribute to his grandfather impressed judges with its slick editing.
Michael Deeley underlines the opportunity the festival presents, "The Big
Issue Film Festival offers a real shot for starting up filmmakers to get
into movies professionally. Films will be seen by influential members of
the film and TV industries and, if the talent is there, it will be
recognised."
The project is entirely self-funding. All the organisers are volunteers from
within the Big Issue organisation and other companies/organisation have
donated services and advice free of charge. Anyone looking to offer support
to the event should contact film@bigissue.com or call 020 7526 3252. Anyone
looking to submit a film should check out the entry criteria on
www.bigissuefilmfestival.co.uk